Nairobi Blogger Charged Over Social Media Posts Claiming Politicians’ Wealth Is Stolen
Muteti, 30, appeared before the Milimani Law Courts on Monday, where he was charged under Kenya’s Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act.
Prosecutors accused him of spreading false information through his X (formerly Twitter) account, @mulinge_muteti, by alleging that politicians had accumulated wealth through theft rather than legitimate work.
The court granted Muteti a cash bail of Ksh15,000 and ordered him to provide a contact person as part of the release conditions. He pleaded not guilty to the charge.
According to the prosecution, the blogger made the posts on December 6, 2025. The statements allegedly claimed that politicians had not worked, invented, or innovated anything, and that their wealth was stolen from the public and should be returned to Kenyans.
State prosecutors argued that the posts were not just opinions but false claims capable of causing fear, anger, or even violence if left unchecked.
The court granted Muteti a cash bail of Ksh15,000 and ordered him to provide a contact person as part of the release conditions. He pleaded not guilty to the charge.
According to the prosecution, the blogger made the posts on December 6, 2025. The statements allegedly claimed that politicians had not worked, invented, or innovated anything, and that their wealth was stolen from the public and should be returned to Kenyans.
State prosecutors argued that the posts were not just opinions but false claims capable of causing fear, anger, or even violence if left unchecked.
They told the court that the content could undermine public order by encouraging hostility toward political leaders.
Muteti’s lawyer opposed this position, arguing that his client was simply expressing his views on governance and corruption, which are protected under the Constitution.
Muteti’s lawyer opposed this position, arguing that his client was simply expressing his views on governance and corruption, which are protected under the Constitution.
The defence insisted that Muteti is not a flight risk and would attend court whenever required.
Muteti was arrested on December 12, 2025, by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), specifically the Serious Crimes Unit. He was held at Muthaiga Police Station over the weekend after police declined to release him on bail at the station level.
His arrest sparked quiet debate among activists and social media users, many of whom questioned whether the charge amounts to criminalising online political expression.
While granting bail, the magistrate directed the prosecution to supply the defence with all evidence they intend to rely on during the trial, including witness statements and digital records. This will allow the defence team to prepare adequately before the case proceeds.
The matter is scheduled for a pre-trial mention on December 30, 2025, when the court will confirm compliance with disclosure orders and set hearing dates.
The case has once again brought attention to the use of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act in regulating online speech. Critics argue that the law is increasingly being used to intimidate bloggers and activists who criticise those in power.
Supporters of the law, however, maintain that social media must be regulated to prevent the spread of misinformation that could destabilise the country.
Muteti was arrested on December 12, 2025, by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), specifically the Serious Crimes Unit. He was held at Muthaiga Police Station over the weekend after police declined to release him on bail at the station level.
His arrest sparked quiet debate among activists and social media users, many of whom questioned whether the charge amounts to criminalising online political expression.
While granting bail, the magistrate directed the prosecution to supply the defence with all evidence they intend to rely on during the trial, including witness statements and digital records. This will allow the defence team to prepare adequately before the case proceeds.
The matter is scheduled for a pre-trial mention on December 30, 2025, when the court will confirm compliance with disclosure orders and set hearing dates.
The case has once again brought attention to the use of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act in regulating online speech. Critics argue that the law is increasingly being used to intimidate bloggers and activists who criticise those in power.
Supporters of the law, however, maintain that social media must be regulated to prevent the spread of misinformation that could destabilise the country.
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